industry information > engineering & technology > national aerospace technology strategy

In 2004, the UK Aerospace Innovation and Growth Team established a National Aerospace Technology Strategy (NATS), as a partnership among UK Government, industry and academia. The NATS addresses UK competitiveness in aerospace technology through to 2020 with targets relating to the environment, safety, security and national defence.

Two new mechanisms will be established to deliver the NATS:

• Aerospace Innovation Networks (AINs)
• Aerospace Technology Validation Programmes (ATVPs).

The concept behind AINs and ATVPs is to provided a mechanism to pull technology from concept to market. While AINs move technology from technology readiness level (TRL) 1 (concept) through to TRL 3 (i.e. proof of principle). ATVPs progress technology development from TRL 4-6, developing a validated & saleable sub-system.

Implementation of these programmes is estimated to cost £300 million per year, jointly funded by UK industry and Government.

Contact the Innovation Manager if you would like:

• more information about the NATS and how to participate
• to schedule an event to help publicise the NATS and its programmes
• more information about participating in the secondee programme.

A copy of the NATS Implementation Report is available from the AeIGT website.

A summary of the technology themes identified a aerospace strengths and research programmes being undertaken to further develop these themes is described here:

NATS Research Themes and Programmes (1.0 MB)

The SBAC fully support the aerospace industry in implementing the NATS and manages a team of secondees from industry who:

• Act as Facilitator and Secretariat to the Aerospace Technology Steering Group, which monitors implementation of the NATS.
• Provide practical support and guidance to the industry leads developing the AINs and ATVPs. This includes developing and reviewing programme definition documents, advising on opportunities for funding, and developing commercial models and structures for collaboration.
• Track data and trends on proposals submitted and funding received to identify where improvements can be made.
• Prepare briefings and progress reports for industry and Government.

In addition, the SBAC manages communications programmes supporting the NATS. These activities:

• Introduce the NATS, AINs and ATVPs to smaller businesses in the UK, helping them to identify ways they can participate.
• Introduce the NATS, AINs, and ATVPs to partner companies in Europe, helping them to identify ways they can participate, and linking the programmes to the European Strategic Research Agenda.
• Identify opportunities for other sectors to work with the NATS programmes for the benefit of the aerospace industry.
• Maintain a focus on the NATS as a priority for funding from UK and European Government funding sources.